hoopoe

noun

hoo·​poe ˈhü-(ˌ)pü 

-(ˌ)pō

: any of a genus (Upupua of the family Upupidae) of crested Old World nonpasserine birds having a slender decurved bill and barred black-and-white wings and tail

Examples of hoopoe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since there is regular traffic, the hoopoe has become accustomed to the presence of humans, as well as the noise from cyclists, motorcyclists and cars. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2026

Some of the more colorful birds that can be seen here include the oriole; the hoopoe, which can be found in orchards and forests; and the beautiful European bee-eater, which nests in colonies on sandy banks along rivers. — David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024

Leading the avian gang is Hod-Hod, a young adventurous hoopoe who sets off on a quest to meet the legendary bird Simorgh, rumored to hold the key to solving all the birds’ problems. — Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2024

The hoopoe's skull contains more spongy bone, an airy-looking material made of branches surrounding pockets of space. — Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2011

Word History

Etymology

alteration of obsolete hoop, from Middle French huppe, from Latin upupa, of imitative origin

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hoopoe

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew